Design Your Own Backpack

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2007 09:04 AM

A couple of years ago, my boys were at that awkward age when the character backpacks looked a little babyish to them, but the plain backpacks looked boring. They didn't want to buy any of the backpacks at three different stores. And yet, they really needed backpacks for school. I talked them into some sturdy canvas packs, but they weren't happy.

We came across the solution accidentally while wandering around the craft store looking for the bathroom. I'm not much of a sewer, so we rarely visit the fabric section. I'm so glad we did that day. Because hanging on the wall were bright colored patches of animals, tie-dye peace signs, Chinese characters, alphabet letters, flowers, shapes, and all sorts of characters.

I had to limit the boys or they would have covered their backpacks with patches. They were excited to be able to design their own packs. They picked some of their favorite things like dogs, horses, parrots, pandas, and their names.

Ironing on the patches was a little tricky. It was hard to get the iron in just the right spot around all the zippers and pockets. I also had to stitch a couple edges on that just didn't want to stick. A super glue probably would have worked, too. Even with the trouble, it only took me about twenty minutes for each backpack.

The kids had a personalized backpack they were happy with. I was happy that they had a sturdy pack to carry their school things in.

I suppose you could take this even further. You could use fabric paints, paint markers, or even permanent markers to write names, color designs, or outline trim. Before doing that though, I would make sure the child is sure what they want. Otherwise you might end up with a over decorated thirty dollar pack they refuse to carry.

Also See:

Tips for Backpack Safety

Finding the Perfect Backpack

Organize Your Mornings: Get in Gear

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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